Reported by Vinnie
Photo by SOCCOM (Romeo, Johnstone, Stephen and Bicher)
Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday is the commemoration of the Last Supper of Jesus Christ, when he administered the sacrament of Holy Communion before his arrest and crucifixion. It is also an act of humility, as it is said during Holy Week, which commemorates the washing of the feet and the last supper of Jesus Christ with the apostles. More than 1,200 parishioners gathered for evening mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Sandakan on 27 March 2024. The mass was presided over by His Lordship Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom. On the same day, Maundy Thursday was celebrated at St. Joseph’s Church by Rev Fr Raymond Lee Seng Huat in Mandarin and St. Mark’s Church was celebrated in Bahasa by Rev Fr Simon Kontou.
His Lordship, Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom, in his homily: Maundy Thursday is the day on which Jesus celebrated his last Passover with his disciples. He reminded us that it is also the day Jesus established the Holy Eucharist and the priesthood. The washing of feet is unique in the Gospel of St. John. This represents a sustained attitude of humility and selfless love. Bishop Julius encouraged all parishioners to pray for their priests to be good, holy and faithful to their priestly vocations. The homily is followed by the foot washing ritual. His Lordship, Bishop Julius, carried out the washing and drying of the feet of twelve parishioners. The rite imitates Jesus’ act of love for his disciples. It is a ritual that signifies love, humility, equality and mutual service in our world today.
At the end of the Holy Mass, the Blessed Sacrament is carried in procession through the church to a place of repositioning and the faithful are invited to participate in adoration throughout the night.
